What Is EVA material: Using Ethylene Vinyl Acetate in Сars

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate might have a complex-sounding name, but it’s actually a straightforward product. This thermoplastic is all the rage amongst car enthusiasts in the know, who love it for its unique properties, including its ability to remain odor-free. It’s a little like rubber but much lighter and more flexible. Vehicle designers can use EVA in all sorts of car parts and accessories, from seat cushions to car mats.

Intrigued? You should be; this is one of the most innovative materials on the market. Let’s take a closer look at how you can best harness the potential of EVA in your vehicle.

What Is Ethylene Vinyl Acetate?

This material, also known as EVA foam, is a copolymer of Ethylene and Vinyl Acetate. Its primary characteristics are its flexibility, mechanical strength, and water resistance. Of course, these qualities make it perfect for manufacturing car parts.

We briefly touched on answering the question “What is EVA material made of?” at the opening of this guide. However, it’s a good idea to explain it at a more scientific level. This way, you’ll really understand what exactly you’re investing in.

Manufactured polymers are highly adaptable and can be adjusted at a precise level to fit the demands of their desired purpose. They are simply long chains of atoms — in EVA material’s case, including a repeating mixture of Ethylene and Vinyl Acetate. EVA is created through a special process called copolymerization, where it’s manufactured using a chemical reaction.

So, “What is EVA plastic”? Well, essentially, you’re looking at a custom-made product. It’s been fine-tuned to get the most effective properties possible.

What Is EVA Used For?

EVA is a popular material choice in all aspects of vehicle accessories and parts. You can find it everywhere, from car seat cushions to mats and even insulation for the engine compartment. Let’s run over an (almost) exhaustive list.

You now know the answer to “What is EVA foam made of” but what about all its uses? It’s definitely a versatile option; here’s where it’s used in cars alone:

• It works fantastically as seals for doors and windows.

• The softness yet odor and water resistance are great for seat cushions and headrests.

• Non-reactive to chemicals, it’s a good choice for materials surrounding batteries in case of leaks.

• Its resilience makes for perfect car mats.

• Resistance to temperature change makes it a prime insulating material, especially around the engine.

• The high impact-resistance levels mean it’s suited to bumper parts.

One last thing we should drop in: What is EVA sheet used for? The material is most likely to be used in padding and insulation in this flattened form.

Is EVA Material Safe?

Yes, EVA is made from environmentally safe components, is not toxic, and does not cause allergic reactions. In fact, the FDA even approved it for safely producing, packaging, and transporting food products. So, rest assured, you’ll be in good hands using EVA products in your vehicles.

It’s great that you’re asking questions like “Is EVA foam toxic”, though, because some materials can be.

Be wary of tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (aka TCIPP). This chemical is flame retardant and frequently used on car seats; The Green Science Policy Institute found it cancerous and actually worsening fires through toxic gas.

Top 5 Instant Benefits of Using EVA Mats

Car mats are by far one of EVA’s most optimal uses in vehicles. The material’s properties are astoundingly suitable, from its water resistance to its odor-free quality. We won’t keep you guessing, though; here are the top five instant benefits of swapping to EVA mats.

1. No Odor

Because EVA is odorless, your car stays fresh, feeling brand-new for longer. Nothing is worse than a damp-smelling carpet or the stench of hot rubber. With EVA mats, you skip that circus completely. Your car’s aroma stays pristine.

2. Easy Cleaning

What is EVA rubber best for? We’d say minimizing cleaning time. Nobody likes cleaning car mats, but this material speeds up the process. The lack of odor and water-resistance (more on that in a second) means you can simply rinse EVA mats with water.

It’s also worth noting that EVA mats are much lighter than rubber, making lifting them for cleaning easier.

3. Extremely Resistant

These mats are totally waterproof, which already sets them apart from carpet in terms of practicality. EVA is also extremely resistant to temperature changes and chemicals.

The material’s chemical resistance means that if you want to use cleaning detergents, you can. But it’s optional, not a necessary step, as we explained above.

4. Effective All Year Round

With floor mats, it can seem like you’re fighting a losing battle with seasons. Yet EVA is suitable for use all year round.

In winter, they do not absorb water. In summer, they do not emit any odor or accumulate dust and sand in the cells. It’s a practical solution for every month, and it’s reassuring to know your vehicle’s interior is decked out to handle any conditions.

5. Prevents Further Damage

Lastly, because of their design and overall resistance, EVA mats are exceptionally adept at preventing further damage from spillages and grime. Honeycomb or diamond structure gives the ability to hold a large amount of liquid — so there’s literally no need to cry over spilled milk if you drop a latte.

Did you know that ill-fitting mats can often do more harm than good? Gaps create warm, dark pockets for liquid to seep into undetected and bacteria to thrive. Stay extra safe with EVA car mats that are custom-fitted to your vehicle’s measurements.

Is EVA Material Eco-Friendly?

Unfortunately, like rubber and most carpet, EVA is not biodegradable. It is recyclable, but only in limited places. Don’t worry, though; at Prime EVA, we have a sustainability solution. We’ll take all of your used mats back, fashioning them into brand-new products through our own recycling process. You even get a 20% discount when you trade in an old mat for a new one.

It’s also important to note durability and lifespan factors. On average, EVA mats last up to five years — substantially more than carpet, which often loses its luxury appearance after just a few washes. It lasts longer and has the potential to be responsibly reused.

So, is EVA foam environmentally friendly? Yes, absolutely, when you’re proactive about recycling processes. If it’s car mats you’re interested in, you can read all about our sustainability policies here.